Litter Box Behavior

Cats develop a preference for eliminating in certain areas and on certain materials.

Litter box problems are associated with:

»» preference for material in the box or location of the box

»» territorial marking of drops of urine on upright surfaces). In multi-cat households it is critical to find out »» avoidance of the litter box because it has which cats are involved in the behavior. People been associated with something negative have been heartbroken when they give up one »» medical problems cat to solve a problem only to find out that »» anxiety two cats were involved or the wrong cat was blamed. Cats normally have a preference for burying their urine and feces in sand in an out-of-the- Here are some of the most common way area of their territory. This makes a litter types of litter box problems and what box an easy way to house train a cat or kitten. you can do to help resolve them: However, when the litter box training fails or good behavior breaks down it can lead to Preferences serious problems managing pet cats. If kittens are properly introduced to a litter Multi-cat households have a greater incidence pan, they will develop a preference for the of both inappropriate elimination and location, type of litter and type of pan. This territorial marking (when cats spray a couple prevents many litter box problems. As a group, www.humaneforpets.com 1 Litter Box Behavior continued... cats prefer to use a few inches of unscented, This behavior may also occur when a new clean, sand litter. Some individual cats prefer cat joins the household and the cats work out a hooded litter pan and some don’t like plastic their respective boundaries. Setting up sub- litter liners. Some cats prefer to defecate territories within the house can help establish and urinate in separate places requiring two better behavior. pans. Some cats will not share a litter pan with another cat. The solution is often more Litter Box Aversion litter boxes, filled deeply and cleaned often, kept in a location that is easy to get to but not Cats avoid litter boxes if the box is not clean. disturbed during use. If a cat is frightened during the use of the litter pan, the cat may discontinue going there. Moving a litter pan can cause problems for Placing litter boxes away from heaters, dryers, cats. In experiments in which soiled carpets rocking chairs and speakers can help prevent were turned 180 degrees, cats did NOT return disturbances to a cat in the box. If the box to the soiled spot on the carpet but instead is in an inconvenient part of the house, cats continued to use the same spot relative to the may not be willing to use it. Cats will avoid a room. The smell of the soiled area was not box when they associate entering the box with critical to the behavior. Moving a litter pan pain (see medical conditions) or when they gradually or adding a new box with the old are intimidated by other pets—especially other one still in place may help solve problems with cats—while near the box (see anxiety). attachments to location. If this is not possible, the cat can be confined to one room with the Medical Problems new box and litter for a few days. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s Territorial Marking litter box behavior, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Cats may Females in heat and unaltered male cats spray stop using their litter pans if they associate small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces the litter pan with pain or discomfort caused to mark the edges of their territory. Research by health problems. If your cat is developing shows that cats are more likely to mark or arthritis, she may no longer be willing to climb “spray” when they are feeling apprehensive the stairs to reach the litter pan. When cats about the status of the territory. Feces left as a suffer from medical conditions that increase territorial marker is often left uncovered. In pet their need to urinate, they may begin urinating cats it is possible that people are perceived as out of the litter box because the box is not as territorial rivals. In this case, the cause can be clean or because the need to eliminate is too new family members or even stray cats outside. urgent to get to the box. www.humaneforpets.com 2 Litter Box Behavior continued...

Mineral crystals sometimes form in the urinary as a more confident cat “playing” with the litter tract of cats. The crystals cause irritation that box offender on his way to the box. Cats stare can predispose your cat to bladder infection. at each other for intimidation as well. You Bladder infections are often associated with may feel the assertive cat is just lying quietly inappropriate urination. Bladder infections in but the body language of the anxious cat will male cats are quite serious and can even be give away the intent. An anxious cat slinks and fatal if left untreated. increases distance between himself and the other cat. The anxious cat’s tail will be held Veterinarians used to believe the crystals low and ears may be slightly back when the were caused by too much “ash” and later by assertive cat is in view. The confident cat will magnesium in food. They now believe that a appear to be resting and may even be purring. food that creates an acidic pH in the bladder of the cat helps prevent problems. This can What to do: also be managed by feeding meat-based diets at specific times rather than free feeding To alleviate problems, begin by increase the dry food. Some people have had success by number of litter pans and offering two types allowing a cat safe access outdoors or getting of litter. Be sure litter pans are clean, plentiful a reptile light that provides UVA and UVB light. and easy to access. Restrict cats that share Ask your vet if you are using the right cat food a home with other pets to separate, smaller to maintain your cat’s urinary tract health. territories to set temporary artificial boundaries which alleviate territorial anxiety. Be sure to Anxiety restrict the cats to rooms they enjoy and give each their own litter pan. Excluding stray When illness and litter box cleanliness are animals from your outdoor property may also not a problem, the most common reason help your cats feel more secure about their for litter box problems is anxiety. Sometimes, territory. Even indoor cats are affected by cats become anxious with a change in the outdoor activity. Establish territorial boundaries household such a new family member or for new cats to prevent marking behavior and a move to a new home. However, it is also aggression between cats. possible that the change in the household just uncovers a preexisting problem. To discourage a cat from returning to soiled areas, place a bowl of cat food at the site for A common cause of anxious urination is several days. You could also place a litter pan intimidation by another cat. Cat social signals near the soiled area and gradually move it to are subtle and you may not know that one of a new location. your cats feels harassed. It might be as subtle www.humaneforpets.com 3 Little Box Behavior continued...

Cleaning soiled areas does not prevent the cat from using the area again. However, the carpet can be cleaned for human satisfaction by soaking the soiled area with club soda, removing all moisture with a shop vacuum, and treating the area with an enzyme cleaner. If possible, replace carpet padding under the area. If you are having trouble locating the soiled areas, you can use a black light to expose “hidden” cat urine (it will glow in the dark under a black light). Mark spots for cleanup with masking tape.

Products that may be of help in reducing anxiety include feline pheromones that help cats relax (Feliway), medications from your veterinarian, cat repellants, catnip, and even toys. Making sure your cat is getting enough entertainment and exercise can go a long way towards resolving many litter box issues.